SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY TODAY

An Introduction

Chapter 12: Elders in the Health Care System - Study Questions

1. Using the internet, you can find many sources of up-to-date information about health care of the elderly. An excellent starting point in the Home Page of the Gerontological Society of America (http://www.geron.org). Download one document on health care you find there and provide a brief summary to discuss in class.

2. How inevitable are gender and race differences in illness patterns in later life? Are there ways these can be eradicated?

3. many Americans think nursing homes would be unnecessary if families would care for their aged relatives. Is this a valid argument? Support your position.

4. If you had a family with a chronic, debilitating, but not fatal illness, what options for care would you consider? Would you provide it yourself, use other sources or both? If additional costs are involved, how would the care be paid for?

5. How feasible are exercise programs for the well elderly? Would you want an intergenerational exercise program for adults regardless of age or one specifically for older people? Why? What steps would you take to establish such a program in your community? How would you interest people in participating?

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